The PT Cruiser lineup has grown from five to eight models for 2004, thanks to the addition of a new turbocharged engine option and special Platinum Series trim. The Dream Cruiser remains as the PT's most upscale model. This is now the third series of this limited production model.
The Dream Cruiser combines many of the most desirable attributes of the seven lower models, including the turbocharged engine and an array of luxury and convenience features.
The Dream Cruiser comes standard with fog lamps, heated front seats, keyless entry, a power moon roof, 17-inch chrome wheels, traction control, ABS, anti-theft, leather seats, a power driver's seat, cruise control, a six-disc CD changer, Sirius satellite radio, and a rear spoiler. Many of these feature, like traction control, 17-inch wheels, and the rear spoiler are only standard on this model and the GT.
The Dream Cruiser is one of two PT Cruisers to be powered by the most enhanced version of the mainstay 2.4 liter inline four. This power plant has now been tweaked for 220 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque, and it is paired with a five-speed manual transmission on this model. Both the GT and Dream Cruiser speed from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.
While the Dream Cruiser is certainly subject to the same Chrysler reliability and build quality issues suffered by the rest of the PT family, there are far more distractions on this model. Overall, that has led to much more positive reviews.